Handling a Dental Emergency
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately. We want to get you seen in the office as soon as possible. Below is a list of common dental emergencies and what you can do to help until you can get into the office.

Severe Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is never something you should ignore. It can be caused by so many conditions, including extreme tooth decay, an abscess, or an infection. Unfortunately, many of these conditions aren’t noticeable and aren’t able to be diagnosed until a dentist examines the issue. Use over the counter pain medications to ease your pain and use a cold compress if you’re experiencing any swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth
It’s important to try not to panic if an adult tooth gets knocked out. You want to remain calm enough so that you can retrieve the tooth. Be careful to pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the tooth root. Gently rinse off the tooth to clean off anything it picked up. Place it in a cup of milk or your own saliva to help preserve it. Never try to put the tooth back into the socket on your own.

When you get to our office, Dr. O’Malley will evaluate if the tooth is viable to be replaced in your mouth. If not, you don’t have to worry. We offer multiple options at our office to replace missing teeth. In particular, we recommend that you replace your tooth with dental implants. Often considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, they offer the stability that other methods can’t. They also give you the most natural look and feel.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth
When you chip a tooth, you may get lucky and it can be only a cosmetic issue. This involves no pain and is merely a cosmetic issue. It can be remedied with something as simple as a bit of dental bonding. However, if you chip or break a tooth where the dental pulp and nerves are exposed, it’s a bigger problem. This causes a lot of pain and is considered an emergency.

A severe crack can also expose the inside of your tooth to bacteria. It makes it easy for bacteria to make its way into the dental pulp, possibly making a need for a root canal. A lot of dental bonding will have to be used. A dental crown or porcelain veneers also offer options to help with more severe breaks and cracks.

Your Dentist in Simpsonville, South Carolina
If you have an emergency, please call us immediately. We’ll also be here when the pandemic restrictions are eased to make sure stress hasn’t impacted your oral health. Call us or schedule an appointment online for the future!

The post How to Take On a Dental Emergency first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

The Benefits of Regular Flossing

Proper regular flossing has a lot of benefits.

• Dislodges food particles that can cause discomfort and decay
• Removes bacteria from between your teeth
• Stimulates and cleans gums to prevent gum disease
• “Tightens” gums to reduce swelling and inflammation

Are You Flossing Correctly?

Flossing may seem straightforward, but in fact, many patients are doing it incorrectly. By choosing a good floss and using proper technique, you can look forward to great dental health.

Choosing a Floss

When buying floss, tailor your choice to your own teeth. Floss comes in a variety of thicknesses, as well as both waxed and unwaxed options. If you have widely or loosely set teeth, a thick floss will be most effective. People with particularly wide-set teeth or gaps should try dental tape, a particularly thick floss. If you have tight teeth, on the other hand, thin floss will be more comfortable. Waxed floss may be better for an increased slip.

How to Floss

Pull off an arm’s length of floss and wind it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches free. Hold the floss taught with your thumbs and index fingers and place it between two teeth. Run the floss up and down the edges of each tooth. Be careful not to saw the floss against the gums, as this can cause damage and bleeding. Move the floss between your fingers as you go so that you are always using a fresh piece.

Schedule an Appointment

Our goal at O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC is to set you up for lifelong dental health. If you have questions about proper flossing, Dr. Ryan O’Malley will be happy to help at your next dental cleaning and checkup. To schedule an appointment, contact us on our website or at 864-962-7672.

The post How Important Is Flossing, Really? first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a restorative tooth replacement option. An implant has three parts: a titanium post, a metal abutment, and a dental crown. The post secures into the jaw. The abutment is used to secure the final crown, and the crown restores function and esthetics. Once in place, the three parts together should look and function like a real tooth.

What Are the Benefits?

• Comfortable
• Permanent
• Secure
• Easy to care for
• Eat what you want
• Prevents bone loss

Am I Eligible?

Patients who are missing a single tooth may not seem a good option for replacing just one tooth. Patients missing many or all of their teeth may not see a way for dental implants to help them. In fact, dental implants are the best option for replacing a single tooth without compromising others, and an implant-supported bridge or denture can replace multiple teeth more effectively than traditional dentures. The main determining factors in your eligibility for dental implants are good overall health (dental implants are a surgical procedure) and sufficient bone to support the implant.

Schedule a Consultation

Even if it has been years since you first lost your tooth, it is always worth investigating new options to more effectively restore your smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan O’Malley to discuss your questions and concerns regarding dental implants. To schedule, contact O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC on our website or at 864-962-7672.

The post What Dental Implants Can Do for You first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

Who Needs Dental Crowns?
As many as one-third of American adults has at least one crown. They are most common among older people but can be used on patients of any age. The complaints treated by dental crowns are varied, ranging from damage to simple esthetics.

• Advanced cavities and tooth decay
• Cracked and broken teeth
• Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
• Support a dental bridge
• Misshapen teeth
• Permanently discolored teeth

What to Expect
In most cases, the dental crown process is spread over two appointments.

The First Appointment
The aim of the first visit is, essentially, preparation. Dr. O’Malley will remove any decay or damage and reshape the tooth to receive the crown. Dental impressions of the prepared tooth make the mold for the ceramic crown. At the end of your appointment, Dr. O’Malley may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth and restore function while you wait. The impressions will be used to manufacture your new crown in time for your second appointment.

The Second Appointment
Once your dental crown has been made, a second appointment is dedicated to final placement. Dr. O’Malley will fit your new crown and, once you are both satisfied, cement it into place. The permanently fixed crown is polished to match your natural teeth, and the procedure is complete.

Schedule a Consultation
Are you interested in restorative crowns, or have an old crown in need of repair? Dr. Ryan O’Malley of O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC is an experienced dentist offering high-quality porcelain crowns. To schedule a consultation, contact us on our website or at 864-962-7672.

The post Back to the Basics with Dental Crowns first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

dental cleaning simpsonville sc
Why Are Professional Cleanings Important?
No matter how diligent you are with your at-home hygiene, it is all but impossible for anyone to clean their teeth as thoroughly as a dental professional. At our office we use specialized tools not available to the public and advanced training in cleaning and caring for teeth. Also, it can be hard to see and reach every part of your mouth; a third party can reach parts of your mouth that would be impossible for you alone. Studies have shown the importance of oral health to overall health; diseased gums release bacteria into your bloodstream, thus negatively impacting your body health. Therefore, it is important to regularly visit a dental professional. Visiting regularly also lets us get to know you and your dental history; once we know you, we can adjust your treatment to best suit your needs.

What to Expect
At O’Malley Dental we perform not just a cleaning, but a thorough exam as well. Your hygienist will use a special toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to carefully clean every surface of your teeth while looking for signs of decay. Your hygienist will also offer tips on how to improve your home hygiene routine, customized to your needs.

After brushing we will floss and look for signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are essential to healthy teeth.

For most patients, a fluoride paste is the last step in their dental checkup. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay, and the paste lessens the likelihood of a cavity between visits. For some patients we might recommend dental sealants, which are another way to protect against cavities. We particularly recommend sealants for children.

Schedule an Appointment
If you are looking for a general dentist in the Simpsonville, SC area, Dr. Ryan O’Malley of O’Malley Dental is a family dentist offering a full suite of care to patients of all ages. To schedule your first appointment, contact us on our website or at 864-962-7672.

The post What to Expect from Your Dental Cleaning first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

Health Risks of Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth isn’t necessarily dangerous in itself, but it can have a major impact on the rest of your mouth. Losing even one tooth can put the rest of your teeth at increased risk of decay and disease. The new space can allow your teeth to shift, causing changes in your bite and malocclusion. This can lead to increased tension and pain in your head, neck, and even shoulders. Without the roots of the teeth to stimulate the bones of your jaw, bone loss can result. Bone loss can compromise the integrity of your jaw and even allow your other teeth to loosen. It is therefore important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.

Replacement Options

Modern patients are lucky – there are many options available to replace your missing teeth. Dr. Ryan O’Malley can discuss the available options with you to choose one that is best for your situation and budget.

• Dentures and Partials
• Dentures are the tried-and-true workhorse of tooth replacement. They work best for patients that have lost most of all of a row of teeth. Traditional dentures are removable to allow for daily cleaning and maintenance. We also offer implant-supported dentures, a more permanent option that can allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence.
• Dental Bridge
  • Dental bridges are suitable for replacing a single tooth or several consecutive teeth. The bridge is supported by crowns placed over the adjacent teeth, making it permanent and sturdy. Dr. O’Malley also offers implant-supported bridges, the best option for a comfortable and natural look.
• Dental Implants
  • Dental implants individually replace teeth for the most natural look and function available. They are secured at the root, so also stabilize the jaw and prevent bone loss. For most patients, we recommend implants as the highest standard of tooth replacement.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth, consider O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC. Dr. O’Malley will be happy to help you restore your smile to its best look and functionality. To schedule a consultation, contact out office online or at 864-962-7672.

The post Do I Need to Replace My Missing Teeth? first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> https://www.omalleydental.com/why-should-you-choose-omalley-dental/ Sat, 31 Aug 2019 17:35:21 +0000 https://www.omalleydental.com/?p=344 Choosing a dentist is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, including insurance and convenience. The thing many people tend to overlook is how the dentist makes you feel. At O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC, our goal is to create a comfortable environment where we can provide our patients with personalized, [...]

The post Why Should You Choose O’Malley Dental? first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> Choosing a dentist is a big decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, including insurance and convenience. The thing many people tend to overlook is how the dentist makes you feel. At O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC, our goal is to create a comfortable environment where we can provide our patients with personalized, patient-focused care. Here is what some of our patients have to say:

Why Should You Choose O’Malley Dental?
Patient Testimonials
This is the third dental practice I’ve been to here in Greenville (due to changing insurance) but I will definitely be sticking with it. The people here are great, especially Dr. O’Malley. My wife and I have been coming here for about three years now and we’ve had nothing but a good experience. In particular, I had needed dental implants for years now due to the fact I was missing three permanent teeth (just never had them). I’ve put it off for all these years because I did not look forward to the cost and lengthy experience I anticipated the implants would be. I finally resolved to get them and ended up having Dr. O’Malley and his staff place the implants and could not be happier. The process was not too bad, they were helpful every step of the way, and most importantly my teeth turned out looking great. I could not be happier with the result. I highly recommend this practice. – Troy N.

We recently moved to Duncan SC and I was searching for a dentist in this area. Yesterday was my first visit with Dr.O’Malley. I have found my dentist! I have never enjoyed a dental visit more — the entire office staff is very welcoming and made me feel right at home. Dr.O’Malley is excellent — he went over my x-rays and exam very carefully — answering any questions and addressing concerns. I am impressed at the wide range of options I can take with my teeth including just maintaining good hygiene. There is no high pressure sales here just recommended options. I look forward to my next visit! – Andrew K.

Great Dentist! I have been coming here for a little over 3 years now and Dr. O’Malley and his staff have always been kind. They explain your treatment thoroughly to make sure you understand what your treatment is, and what it can lead to if you don’t address the concern. Everyone has a great personality, making your experience a pleasant one! Highly recommend this office. – Mariah C.

Schedule an Appointment
As you can see, our patients have wonderful things to say about the quality of our care and our dedication to our patients. If you are new to the Simpsonville area, or even just looking to switch dental care providers, consider Dr. Ryan O’Malley at O’Malley Dental. Our scheduling process is so easy – just contact us online or over the phone at 864-962-7672 and schedule your first appointment with us today.

The post Why Should You Choose O’Malley Dental? first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> https://www.omalleydental.com/choosing-dental-products/ Sat, 31 Aug 2019 17:28:58 +0000 https://www.omalleydental.com/?p=338 Twice-yearly dental checkups can do wonders for your teeth, but what about the other 363 days of the year? Everyone knows that dentists typically recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. It can be easy, however, to overlook the importance of the products you use to clean your teeth. Choosing the right products can be [...]

The post Choosing Dental Products first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> Twice-yearly dental checkups can do wonders for your teeth, but what about the other 363 days of the year? Everyone knows that dentists typically recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. It can be easy, however, to overlook the importance of the products you use to clean your teeth. Choosing the right products can be vital or maintaining good oral hygiene.

Toothpaste

Looking at a wall of toothpaste can be overwhelming, especially when they all make the same claims. A lot of what toothpaste you use comes down to personal preference. However, it is important to look for a toothpaste with at least 1000 parts per million of fluoride, and a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. A whitening toothpaste could be a good choice if you struggle with discoloration, but they can cause sensitivity over time so may not be for everyone. If you do have sensitive teeth, an anti-sensitivity toothpaste can be a great option. Whatever you choose, fluoride is the most important.

Toothbrush

The best rule of thumb when choosing a toothbrush is to look for one with soft bristles. A soft-bristled brush is enough to clean your teeth in most instances, and won’t injure the gums or damage enamel. It is also important to replace your brush frequently – about every three months. The bristles can become damaged and less effective over time, and bacteria can develop.

Traditional vs. Powered Toothbrushes

There is little evidence that powered toothbrushes clean the teeth any better than a regular brush. An electric brush can be easier, however, and more fun to use. For some people, this can be a motivator to brush their teeth, and if this works for you then that’s a good thing! Because they are easier to use, electric toothbrushes might be a good choice for people with some mobility issues. The chunky handles may also be easier to grip for people with hand problems.

Floss

In addition to twice-daily brushing, flossing is the second most-recommended part of home dental hygiene. A lot of choosing a floss comes down to the spacing of your teeth. If you have wide-set teeth, choose a thick floss or even a dental tape. If your teeth are quite tight, a thin floss is the best choice. Anything else – minty or flavorless, waxed or monofilament – is up to you.

Mouthwash

As with toothpaste, it is always good to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride. For most people, an alcohol-based mouthwash is best for killing the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you like, you can choose an option designed to address a specific hygiene concern, such as teeth whitening, gingivitis, or chronic dry mouth.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have questions about what products are best for your mouth, we are always happy to help. To discuss your dental health needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryan O’Malley at O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC. You can contact our office online or at 864-962-7672.

The post Choosing Dental Products first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> https://www.omalleydental.com/solutions-for-dental-anxiety/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:28:15 +0000 https://www.omalleydental.com/?p=336 Does the though of visiting the dentist make you anxious? You’re not alone. Many people of all ages experience dental anxiety. There can be many reasons for dental fear, including bad past experiences and a lack of understanding. Whatever the reason, anxiety can keep many people from getting their regular dental cleanings. Unfortunately, avoiding regular [...]

The post Solutions for Dental Anxiety first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> Does the though of visiting the dentist make you anxious? You’re not alone. Many people of all ages experience dental anxiety. There can be many reasons for dental fear, including bad past experiences and a lack of understanding. Whatever the reason, anxiety can keep many people from getting their regular dental cleanings. Unfortunately, avoiding regular maintenance can allow small problems to turn into big ones. A poor smile can then cause even more anxiety. Don’t deprive yourself of the benefits of oral health — there are options!

Education

Fear of the unknown is very common, so Dr. Ryan O’Malley and the staff at O’Malley Dental are dedicated to improving patient education. We are happy to explain every aspect of your treatment until you feel comfortable with your appointment. By teaching our patients about the different treatments available to them, we can help you choose the option best suited to you and your values.

Sedation Dentistry

For some patients, education and a comfortable office may not be enough. For these patients, Dr. O’Malley offers sedation Dentistry. Sedation dentistry is just what it says on the tin: if you struggle with dental fear, we offer medical sedation to help you feel calm. We offer two forms of sedatives: oral conscious sedation, and nitrous oxide. After a discussion of your medical history, we will help you decide on the safest form of sedative for you. Both of these methods let you stay awake and responsive but calm during your appointment, but they have some key differences.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation takes the form of a pill. After your first consultation, Dr. O’Malley will write you a prescription for the sedative. You will take the pill shortly before your treatment. We can give you detailed instructions on how to take it either at your initial consultation, or over the phone. Because you will need to take the pill at home and it takes time to wear off, you will need a friend or family member to escort you both to and from your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide may be more familiar to you under the name “laughing gas.” This method is inhaled through a mask. The best thing about laughing gas is that it only really works when the mask is in place. It starts working quickly, and stops a few minutes after removing the mask. This means that you can drive yourself to an from your appointment!

Schedule an Appointment

Has dental fear kept you from the treatment you deserve? There are options! Contact O’Malley Dental in Simpsonville, SC and ask us about sedation dentistry. Schedule your consultation online or at 864-962-7672 today.

The post Solutions for Dental Anxiety first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> https://www.omalleydental.com/why-you-need-a-custom-mouthguard/ Sun, 30 Jun 2019 17:27:20 +0000 https://www.omalleydental.com/?p=334 With all the over-the-counter mouthguard options these days, many people may wonder why they would need a custom mouthguard. A properly fitted custom mouthguard can be more comfortable and better protect your teeth than a generic or home-fit option. A well-fitted mouth guard can be particularly important in sports to protect teeth from damage. If [...]

The post Why You Need A Custom Mouthguard first appeared on O’Malley Dental.

]]> With all the over-the-counter mouthguard options these days, many people may wonder why they would need a custom mouthguard. A properly fitted custom mouthguard can be more comfortable and better protect your teeth than a generic or home-fit option. A well-fitted mouth guard can be particularly important in sports to protect teeth from damage. If not customized for you, a mouthguard can actually cause some of the problems it is meant to solve, such as jaw and tooth pain and worsening tooth alignment. While an over-the-counter mouthguard can be effective in a pinch, we don’t recommend them for extended use.

Types of Mouthguards

There are two main types of mouthguards: sports and night guards. Sports mouthguards are designed for high-impact sports, and night guards are used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding. Dr. Ryan O’Malley can provide both types at our Simpsonville, South Carolina office.

Sports Mouthguards

Sports mouthguards are intended to protect the mouth from damage during high-impact sports. Oral trauma can cause discomfort as well as a host of other problems, including tooth discoloration or even loss. If you or your child wear sharp orthodontic devices, the gums or soft inside of the mouth can be vulnerable to injury. Sports mouthguards are made of smooth plastic to cover sharp edges. Typically they are worn only over the upper teeth, but bottom jaw guards may be recommended on a case-by-case basis. A custom mouth guard can even help improve your play: a generic or over-the-counter mouth guard often fits poorly, and a lot of the player’s attention may go to keeping it in place. With a well-fitting custom mouthguard, you can be free to play your best game with no distractions!

Night Guards

Night guards, also called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint, or simply a mouthguard, is designed to protect the teeth from nighttime grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. These mouthguards are typically worn at night and help position the jaw for relaxation and to decrease and cushion against grinding. Reducing nighttime grinding can decrease tooth and jaw pain, and even reduce chronic headaches. The mouthguard also prevents the common side effects of grinding, such as chipped enamel or cracked teeth.

How Are They Made?

To get your custom mouthguard, you will need to make an appointment at our office to take impressions of your teeth. The impressions will then be used to mold your custom guards. The mouth guards will typically be made of hard plastic and malleable rubber. When made correctly your mouthguard should stay in place and fit perfectly – not too loose and not too tight.

Caring For Your Mouthguard

Taking good care of your mouthguard is important to ensure it lasts a long time. Both before and after every use you should rinse your mouth guard with warm water and scrub it with your toothbrush. Bring your mouthguard to Dr. O’Malley for its own checkup at least once a year. He will check to make sure it is still working properly. Be sure to keep your mouthguard out of reach of pets – many animals think they make great chew toys!

Schedule an Appointment

If you play a contact sport or think you might have bruxism, you may want to consider a custom mouthguard. Contact O’Malley Dental online or at 864-962-7672 and schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Malley today.

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